Support pours in nationwide for 12-year-old after baseball injury leaves him in critical condition
Xavier Taylor, 12, has been hospitalized since last week.
More Stories
Support for Xavier Taylor of Maple Shade is flowing in from across the country after an accident on the ballfield left the 12-year-old in critical condition last week.
Family members say Xavier, who plays for the Maple Shade Youth Baseball League, was hit in the neck with a baseball during warmups on May 26. He was taken to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, where he remains in critical condition.
On May 28, hundreds of community members gathered for a vigil at Fellowship Columbia Bank Field to show support for Xavier. Wearing shirts with his number, 6, and carrying candles, they offered prayers and messages of encouragement.
As word of the tragedy has spread, support for Xavier has extended well beyond Maple Shade, with baseball leagues in many New Jersey towns and other states posting messages on social media and holding fundraisers for the Taylor family. The fundraisers include stickers, ornaments and apparel featuring the slogan #XavierStrong.
In West Deptford, the baseball league planned to donate sales from their snack stand Tuesday night to the family. In Haddonfield, firefighters left a baseball bat outside the fire department in honor of Xavier. That theme has spread as people are leaving "bats out for Xavier."
In Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, the Little League posted a #BatsOutForXavier message on social media in support of Xavier and the Taylor family.
"He was just warming up. Doing what our boys do every single weekend. Every single practice," Swoyersville Little League wrote. "The baseball community has wrapped its arms around the Taylor family and we're joining that. If you have a bat — put it outside your door today. Let Xavier and his family know that every ballpark in America is thinking about them."
On Monday, the Maple Shade Youth Baseball League posted a message on Facebook thanking the community for the outpouring of support and stating that they've decided to continue with the season.
"After speaking with the Taylor family and having thoughtful discussions among our board and coaching staff, we have made the decision to continue with our season," the league said, adding that All-Star activities and hitting contests are being postponed. "Out of respect for the players, coaches and families in our Majors division, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the Majors season only."
In addition, the league will participate in a Trenton Thunder game Thursday during which a moment of silence is planned for Xavier prior to the start of the game.
